Management of HIV Viraemia in Southern Africa

The Division of Clinical Epidemiology: The Division of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Basel and the University Hospital Basel generates evidence for decision-making in health care and health service planning and promotes the application of research findings in clinical care and global public health. Besides research in Switzerland, it has long-term international research collaborations including with partners in southern Africa. The Clinical Research Global Health (CRGH) group, headed by Professor Niklaus Labhardt, invites applications for a PhD position starting in January 2026 or shortly thereafter. The position: HIV is highly manageable with appropriate antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, a small proportion of people with HIV receiving ART have ongoing viraemia, i.e., do not achieve full viral suppression. In this PhD project, you will conduct research on the clinical management of HIV viraemia in Lesotho, southern Africa. The position includes planning and implementing a randomised controlled trial (RCT) alongside quantitative analyses and project management. You will collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and diagnostic laboratory partners, and contribute to supervising the study team. The role includes multi-month research stays in Lesotho.01.01.20263 YearsWhat you will be doingPlanning and implementation of an RCTData management and quantitative analysisProject management and contribution to broader research activitiesPresentation and publication of results at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journalsCollaboration within international, interdisciplinary teamsContribution to the teaching and mentoring activities of the Division of Clinical EpidemiologyYour profileMaster's degree in Medicine, Biology, Pharmacy, or a closely related fieldApplicants without an MSc in a biomedical discipline should provide evidence of knowledge in HIV epidemiology and treatmentWillingness to undertake multi-month research stays in LesothoExcellent communication skills in spoken and written EnglishStrong motivation and aptitude for quantitative analyses; prior experience with statistical software (e.g., R, Stata) is an assetStrong communication and organizational skills, with a high level of initiative to manage international projectsAbility to work independently as well as part of an international, interdisciplinary research team; prior experience in clinical research, wet lab diagnostics or research, or global health is an assetYour benefits at the USBAttractive salary policy and exceptional social benefitsDiscounts for shopping, sport and recreationSupport during relocation and apartment hunting25 vacation days, plus 5 flexible free daysSupport in further training and education, plus career planningCampus in the heart of Basel and the tri-border regionComprehensive childcare optionsFree-of-charge sport and fitness programFully funded 3-year PhD position in Clinical Research at the University of Basel, SwitzerlandParticipation in a structured PhD programSupportive and collaborative international research environmentExcellent opportunities for academic development in Clinical EpidemiologyWork experience in both Switzerland and LesothoOpportunities for international collaboration, conference presentations, and scientific publicationsWe look forward to receiving your applicationMonique ImhofHR Beraterin+41 61 265 32 90About The USBThere are many reasons to come work for us: Working at the USB primarily means being part of a dedicated team of over 7500 employees from around 90 nations. Our lively day-to-day lives are characterized by forward-looking research, cutting-edge medicine and the transfer of knowledge at the highest level. In addition, there is a modern organizational culture, interdisciplinarity, inspiring innovation and a wide range of training and professional development opportunities. Do you want shape the hospital of the future together with us? Then join us! #TeamUSB